Welcome the insightful Scott Johnston, author of “Campusland.” Scott Johnston’s Campusland is “a satiric howl at today’s elite educational institutions―from safe spaces to tribal infighting to the sheer sanctimony. A wickedly delightful novel that may remind you of Tom Wolfe and David Lodge.” He is a keen observer of the current academic and cultural landscape. Today, we’re diving into the heated topic of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI — and congeners SEL, ESG, and CRT) — and the profound impact on our educational institutions of these neo-Marxian strides. Scott and I share a hope to see a significant transformation in DEI – its decline.

Scott Johnston’s Critique

Scott, with his two decades of experience, has been a vocal critic of the ideological shift in universities. He likens the previous situation to “screaming into the void,” where even those who recognized the issues continued to support these institutions out of a sense of helplessness or hope for their children’s future. The rapid changes, especially post-George Floyd and during the COVID era, exacerbated the situation but also opened a public window to the private rot. As Scott puts it, “Now everyone sees the emperor has no clothes.”

Parallel with Medieval Catholic Church

Drawing a parallel between today’s college environment and the medieval Catholic Church, Scott highlights the zealotry and dogmatism that have seeped into academia. He remarks, “Climate is a substitute religion. DEI is a substitute religion… They have all the tenets of a classical religion.” This comparison underscores the depth of the ideological entrenchment within these institutions.

Role of Institutional Boards

A critical point of discussion is the role of institutional boards. Echoing Bill Ackman’s recent actions of calling out board members of the Harvard Corporation over Claudine Gay, Scott urges a similar accountability across all institutions. He points out that not all board members are believers in the prevailing ideologies, but many remain silent due to fear or societal pressure. “The Yale that you and I went to does not exist… It’s way prettier now, but they are rotten to the core.” This call to action is not just about exposing ideological shifts but also about challenging our societal reverence for these institutions.

Transformation vs. Societal Reverence

In the wake of his influential blogs, the head of Dalton School was dismissed. A few months later, a pivotal moment occurred involving a woman, the head of the Dalton board, seeking membership at his club. Despite her seemingly impeccable persona, there was a disconnect between her social grace and the disastrous consequential decisions she had overseen. “All the Lovely People,” (his next book) focuses on these individuals who are outwardly charming and successful yet passively allow the erosion of fundamental values in education and society.

Videocast Invitation

Join us in this critical examination of the current educational and cultural climate. Whether you are an academic, a concerned parent, or simply an observer of these shifts, this videocast promises to offer fresh perspectives and stimulate thought-provoking discussions. Let’s embark on this journey to understand and navigate these complex issues together.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Scott Johnston’s critique of DEI in modern academia sheds light on the ideological entrenchment within institutions. His call to action challenges the societal reverence for these establishments, urging a transformation in the face of ideological shifts. As we navigate these complexities, it is crucial for academics, parents, and observers to engage in thought-provoking discussions to shape a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape.